You know, you go home exhausted, lay on the couch in your paint covered clothes, and brainstorm for hours about how you will get through tomorrow.

This is every day for a special educator.

People always see my hands. They look down and notice the scratches, the bandaids, the scabs. I always find people asking me about my hands. And when I say that one of my little friends had a tough day, they tell me they could never do what I do.

I love my wounded hands.

They are not perfect. Rough from many hand washes. Uneven from showing a little one it doesn't hurt to cut your nail. Bruised. Scratched. Paint stained.

I love my wounded hands.

Each and every scratch, scar, bruise, or scrape reminds me of a time of struggle- that became success. Each new lesson, each new food, each schedule change. Each day of cancelled recess and each "that is not choice". Each potty training session, learning to wash hands. Each loud and rumbling assembly, each ripped page in a book, each computer time is over, and each upset tummy.

I love my wounded hands. Each time I earn a new scar, I know that little one has made a new leap, reached a new height, and broken down a new door.

I love my wounded hands- and I will always do, what I do. #iTeachSped #WeTeachSped

I love this and feel the same way. Your students are blessed to have you! <3

Reply

Nicole

4/12/2015 12:30:39 pm

Oh so true! I find it hard each time someone says "I could never do what you do" or "Your just so sweet to work with them". I do it because I love it. I love the small things because in our world the small things are the most amazing!

Reply

Cathy

4/12/2015 12:50:40 pm

I feel the same way ... I LOVE my kids and I think about them all the time. I worry about them and I stress over ways to help them. Thanks for sharing!

Beautifully written and oh, so true. I may have lost a future as a hand model ;-) but when you have a passion for what you do, you see the scars for what they are: moments of communication, moments of breakthrough, moments wherein we get the opportunity to demonstrate love.